Growing Ivy
Facts about Growing Ivy
There are two garden situations that generally call for growing ivy; as a ground cover or to climb walls or fences in the garden. It is not only a lovely plant, but useful as well.
Growing ivy as a ground cover provides a lovely carpeting effect in the garden. Its glossy greenery offers garden interest and also a perfect foil for flowering plants in the area. Planting ivy in areas that experience a great deal of soil erosion helps to eliminate the erosion and maintain slopes and hills. This is possible through a dense root system the growing ivy produces; actually holding the soil by networking the roots throughout. Cool conditions are preferred by ivy, since full sun can often burn the plant. Shady areas offer the ideal location for the ivy, which does well in zones with cold winter conditions.
Because of ivy’s natural climbing and trailing habit, it also does very well as a wall or fence cover. Planting the greenery as close as possible to the structure it is to climb will allow the growing ivy to reach out for the wall or fence for support. The ivy will cling to the support provided by sprouting aerial roots. As a fast growing plant, ivy will soon cover the support as a dense foliage blanket.
It is easy to obtain the benefits of growing ivy as either ground cover or a climbing plant, as the plant is readily grown. Two types of ivy are commonly grown; English Ivy and Algerian Ivy. Both types should be planted outdoors in the spring and in an area that receives at least partial shade for half of the day. For the best growth habits, English ivy should be spaced 12 inches apart, and the Algerian Ivy 18 inches apart. The soil must have good drainage, with a good amount of compost worked into it to provide the nutrients it will need. After planting, water thoroughly to ensure that the growing ivy will set well.
Many people prefer growing ivy indoors as a houseplant; a role that ivy takes well. Containers filled with equal parts of potting soil, peat moss and sharp sand will provide the perfect environment for the plant. When planted in a container, the ivy will need to be kept away from direct sun as they will enjoy cool temperatures indoors the same as outdoors. Fertilizing should occur once each month, as potted plants have a tendency to wash out nutrients from frequent watering.
Ivy is a versatile plant that many people enjoy. Whether growing ivy is to prevent erosion of hills and slopes, or to cover a garden wall or fence with lovely greenery or to enjoy indoors as a houseplant, it will provide fast growing, lush green foliage that is a delight and a benefit.